Bobby Jindal a former congressman and first term governor, was widely believed to be on then-Republican presidential nominee John McCain's shortlist for vice president.

(CNN) - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is set to deliver the Republican response to Barack Obama's upcoming joint address to Congress - the high-profile slot the rival party often gives to one of its rising stars.

“Gov. Jindal embodies what I have long said: the Republican Party must not be simply the party of 'opposition,' but the party of better solutions," House Minority Leader John Boehner said in a Wednesday statement.

Jindal a former congressman and first term governor, was widely believed to be on then-Republican presidential nominee John McCain's shortlist for vice president, and often served as a campaign surrogate on the Arizona senator's behalf.

The 37-year-old son of Indian immigrants was also given a prime-time speaking slot at the GOP convention last September, though he ultimately decided not to attend the four-day event as Hurricane Gustav headed for landfall in his state.

An Ivy League grad, Rhodes Scholar, and the first non-white governor of Louisiana, Jindal has long been on the GOP's radar screen as a potential future leader and likely presidential candidate. And as the GOP is launching full-scale efforts to appeal to non-white voters, Jindal has become one of the party's most high-profile minorities.

soundoff(210 Responses)

Of course, he is a person of 'COLOR'. The Republicans are more transpartent than the Obama administration's website will be on the stimulus money.

Do the Republicans think we are as stupid as Jindl and Steele, who both have no shame or pride in their ethnicity?

February 11, 2009 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |

TCM

@Vincent Petrosino –

You're kidding right? If, by chance, you knew what intelligence was, you wouldn't be supporting Obama. As anyone can clearly see, he's in over his head, the honeymoon's over....and he's clueless about what to do. He's picked horrible cabinet picks, either tax cheats or clinton retreads....and he's burdening generations to come with a pork platter bill that will break the financial back of the country....
His attempts at leadership and kindness....well, you misread; it's a quest for power for himself and liberal dems. They can care less about American citizens.

February 11, 2009 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |

Nelson Colorado Springs Co.

Can anyone but me see the change in the Republican Party. look what is happening Black Leader of Republican Party, now a 37-year-old son of Indian immigrants was also given a prime-time speaking slot at the GOP convention. Change is here

February 11, 2009 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |

Richard

Didn't they think Palin was bright enough to come up with a logical response?

February 11, 2009 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |

Deborah

Jindal, Crist and many others that are probalby qualified were on McCain's short list of VP candidates. Too bad (or good – for Obama) McCain chose Barbie to get the PUMA vote.

With Barbie by his side McCain had no chance. Maybe Jindal will run in 2012.... but he better not say anything against the Republican party in the next 4 years.... they eat their own.

It also amazes me that the Republicans have no NEW ideas, but are quick to criticize new ideas from the other side.

February 11, 2009 01:58 pm at 1:58 pm |

barack obama is still just B.O.

Typical talk from a bunch of DIMocrats who don't know a thing about practically anything.

At least Jindal has a few years of experience actually managing something. Not like our current president. (and oh how it shows already!)

Is it just me or has the tide on Obama already started to turn? Guess that's what happens when there is no substance behind the words. (Treasury secretary being laughed at, crooks appointed to cabinet positions, pork filled non-stimulus stimulus package quickly losing support, being totally walked on by Pelosi and Reid, etc, etc. etc.)

February 11, 2009 01:58 pm at 1:58 pm |

FREEMAN

First Lt. Governer Michael Steele as GOP chairperson and now Governor Jindal as GOP spokesperson. What are the republicans trying to pull? Oh, they have to show that they're not all white racist. Michael Steele and Bobby Jindal for 2012?

February 11, 2009 01:58 pm at 1:58 pm |

david

If he is a bright new star of the gop and wants to seek national public office, he will need to come up with something other than the tired, old republican/conservative/evangelical bs that has been their mainstay. Everytime the republicans are the majority party for more than 4 years they have historiacally tanked the economy with sound good ideas that dont work any more than the sound good ideas of the democrats. In both cases the elite members of their political party and buddies get better off and the rest of us just get.... worse off.

February 11, 2009 01:59 pm at 1:59 pm |

TCM

@ SOCCER NANA –

Obama can think for himself? hahaha...he got duped by a plumber! He can't think or speak intelligently, without a prearranged speech writer loading up his teleprompter. In fact, in Ft. Myers...only those called upon....were...gee....a cross-section of society...black woman, hispanic male...white male.....were plants. Obama already knew their questions and had canned, empty solutions for them...to which the empty-headed liberal crowd applauded....you libs are so blind.

February 11, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |

Larry from RI

How are those repairs to the levies and the devastated communities of New Orleans coming along Bobby?

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp....

Thought so – this guy has nothing, the GOP has nothing!

February 11, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |

WhoCares?

"Go ahead, sign this bill into law. All it will cost you is a second American Revolution."

Listen..Democrats has to live through 8 years of your "God" systematically destroying this entire country....yet you have the stones to bring up Revolution after two weeks of Obama's Presidency.

February 11, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |

Laverne

So I guess they have tapped Jindal to carry out their dirty deeds along with Michael Steele. It is amazing how NO minorities stood a chance in the party and now all of a sudden they are the party of change. I aint buying it! This is just another ploy to package their mess with a bow. Well all I have to say is they better come correct because if they don't the American people will not hesitate to call them on their crap and then we will see whose side the American people are really on.

February 11, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |

Richard

Let's see all the people who were upset that Barack Hussein Obama is in politics now tell us how good Piyush "Bobby" Jindal is.

February 11, 2009 02:00 pm at 2:00 pm |

Wally

Why would you like to darken your image, maybe, it wasn't bright anyway. Tax cut is for those that have job, we need job and get away with your useless policy – that is not true capitalism. No to socialism but we all surrender to a common government in exchange of protection for the weak.

February 11, 2009 02:01 pm at 2:01 pm |

CHANGE we need

...but he is just a Gov of a small state...what can HE say or what influence can he have??? LOTS, I hope!!!

...and Vincent, your quote,

"Bobby Jindhal is just like the other GOP front men: Michael Steele, Lynn Swann, Alan Keyes. All non-white members who think they can trick the public into believing they are not just the the good ole boys' network."

You can change your opening line to read, "Barack Obama is just like the other POLITICAL front men..." and add on "The only difference is Barack PULLED IT OFF the ultimate magic trick!" NOW THAT IS CHANGE...

February 11, 2009 02:01 pm at 2:01 pm |

Ajaye

The "Repugnicans" still don't get it. All of these tricks just aren't working. I totally agree with Vincent Petrosino's remarks.

February 11, 2009 02:02 pm at 2:02 pm |

Ray Ray

I love all the racist remarks from liberals on this blog. What to show your true colors, Dems!!

Reminds us all how Democrats have historically been the ones AGAINST Civil Rights and embraced the clan (ie Robert KKK Byrd, etc)

February 11, 2009 02:02 pm at 2:02 pm |

Anonymous

Unlike the Dems the Republicans choose their leaders based on ability and not Race. It appears that Dems have a lot of hang ups against white men, southerners and christians. It is easy to be bigiots eh?

February 11, 2009 02:03 pm at 2:03 pm |

AnnMM

It is disgusting how lame the Republicans are. We didn't elect Obama because he was black, Hillary didn't make it as far as she did in the primaries because she was a woman. Only the narrowminded racist, sexist morons (see wikipedia "Republicans") would think race and gender are all that matter. (explaining Palin, Steele and now this)

Jindal is a neo-con nitwit. The color of his skin is irrelevant.

Republicans finding new ways to become irrelevant every dang day.

February 11, 2009 02:04 pm at 2:04 pm |

Vijender Kumar Gupta

Mr. Jindal,

If the Democratic Party says, “Sun rises from the East and Moon Revolves around the Earth”. Just because you are from the Republican Party does not mean you have to say, “No, Democrats are Wrong. The Sun does not rise from the East and Moon does not Revolve around the Earth”.
Ha Ha He He.....

I hope your Response is Constructive, Meaningful and in the Better Interest of USA. Before you Speak, Remember, “Republican Party must not be simply the Party of 'Opposition,' but the party of Better Solutions.

We hope you will speak Prudently, Rationally and Intelligently.

February 11, 2009 02:04 pm at 2:04 pm |

Jackie

Proud American, I think it would be Palin/Plumber!!!hahahaha

February 11, 2009 02:05 pm at 2:05 pm |

Jean

Why do you keep closing the Obama bashing comments?

1438 GONE.

February 11, 2009 02:05 pm at 2:05 pm |

Stu, Charlotte

Womack in FLA, writes :

"I feel sorry for the Liberals. The Conservatives are the ones out there right now buying guns. At the end of the day you have to look out for yourself, governments rise and fall and this one is in that long swift spiral to the ground."

What is this, Republican "Civil War II" threats ? Please. Why don't you and your gun toting, bible thumping survivalist buddies move up to Alaska with your Bimbo hero, and we can forget you are there, forever ?

February 11, 2009 02:05 pm at 2:05 pm |

Petrosino said it all

Vincent Petrosino

Well said. I'm minority and wouldn't vote for Jindal. I didn't vote for Obama because of his skin color or ethnic background. He is intelligent, articulate, kind, innovative, gregarious and a great leader.

Although Jindal is obviously intelligent he lacks some of the other important qualities that have made Obama a great politician.

February 11, 2009 02:06 pm at 2:06 pm |

Champ

Im from Louisiana,

And let me tell you something... JINDAL HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NOTEWORTHY!!! The guy promises ethics reform, only to make it harder to convict the people in question. What about New Orleans? What about JOBS, a diverse economy, crime, coastal restoration, etc

I hope the GOP nominates Jindal so the true problems of Louisiana can be exposed. Ask Puyish (Bobby) what has he done in the past year beside "ethics reform" and sex offender law strengthening....